HC Deb 11 July 1961 vol 644 cc203-4
38. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many United States firms have estab- lished branches in Fife in each of the last five years; how much labour they currently employ; and whether they have any plans for expansion in the county.

Mr. Maudling

One United States subsidiary began operations in Fife in 1958, another in 1960, and a third is about to begin. In total they will soon be employing about 300. I cannot say what plans these firms have for expansion in the county.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the President of the Board of Trade say whether he has had any formal complaints from those firms about lack of co-operation between his Department and themselves? Can he further say whether some of them who originally planned to expand in Fife are now turning their eyes to the Common Market? Has he any evidence of that?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think I could say that without notice. I have no recollection of any formal complaint about lack of co-operation. It may be that those firms, like others, do not always get everything they want from the Board of Trade. That is in the nature of things.

39. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firm applications have been made for financial assistance under the terms of the Local Employment Act from firms seeking to establish themselves in Central West Fife; how many have been granted; and how many are pending.

Mr. Maudling

Applications for financial assistance have been received from four firms. One of these has been rejected and three are under consideration.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the average time lag between the formal presentation of the application and the final decision being reached? Is he aware that there is certainly one firm about which I have written to him recently that is very anxious to get a speedy decision because it wants to get started in production in the early part of next year?

Mr. Maudling

I could not give the figure without notice, but I shall certainly follow up the case about which the hon. Member has written to me.